Architect My Business
Sustainable Architecture That Actually Works: Mass Timber, Living House & the Future of Design with Richard Naish
"The best way to know what you're capable of is to throw yourself in the deep end and make all the key decisions."
In this episode of Architect My Business, Aya Schlachter sits down with Richard Naish, one of New Zealand's most acclaimed architects, founder and creative director of RTA Studio, to explore the journey of building a successful architecture practice. They discuss the challenges of running a firm without formal business training, managing talent shortages, and setting up systems for scalable growth.
Richard shares how he balances work-life priorities, leverages creative problem-solving, and sustains a firm over decades through client relationships, mentoring, and a culture that keeps teams long-term. They also cover marketing strategies, from awards and publications to reputation building, and the importance of designing sustainable, innovative projects, from mass timber buildings to the Living House, a carbon-zero, affordable home.
This conversation is full of practical insights and lessons for architects and business owners on growing a firm without compromising quality, creativity, or team well-being.
Key Takeaways:
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Working on different project types keeps ideas fresh and innovative.
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Eco-friendly buildings like the Living House prove green design is possible and cost-effective.
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Teamwork with experts and communities leads to innovative, meaningful solutions.
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Architecture can tackle housing shortages, climate change, and more.
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Setting goals and building systems from the start allows a small team to scale efficiently.
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Boundaries, regular breaks, and subconscious thinking spark creativity and prevent burnout.
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Creating a "come home to work" environment keeps staff engaged and loyal.
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Training the next generation ensures design and financial continuity.
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Technology can assist, but architecture must respond to people, light, and space.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Episode Snippet
02:36 – Early career challenges and lessons from a recession
04:34 – Working on different project types and taking the leap to start his own firm
07:30 – Designing the E-Type House for a family's life cycle
11:34 – Scion Innovation Hub
15:19 – Designing with cultural respect and functionality
17:41 – The Living House: affordable, flat-pack, climate-positive home
21:55 – Prototype success and first-home buyer story
23:32 – Timber construction: sustainability and carbon benefits
25:07 – Myths about sustainable architecture and cost solutions
29:31 – Building a practice: challenges, mistakes, and strategic planning
29:58 – Sponsor Spotlight: Need extra hands to meet deadlines? MGS Global Group provides skilled architectural professionals on demand so your projects stay on track. Visit mgsglobalgroup.com.
33:29 – Balancing family life and running a business
36:11 – Growth ceiling and gradual expansion of RTA Studio
39:31 – Dealing with rejection and building relationships
41:33 – Collaborating with other firms and the value of referrals
44:29 – Delegating management duties to focus on design, clients, and mentoring
46:48 – How to ensure financial and design sustainability
48:08 – Creating a workplace culture that attracts and retains talent post-pandemic
50:08 – Marketing through strong reputation instead of traditional ads
52:06 – AI: A tool but not a replacement for human creativity
53:47 – What is the next thing for Richard Nish?
54:51 – Keeping architecture human-centered
About the Guests:
Richard Naish is the Founder and Executive Director of RTA Studio, a design-led architecture practice known for work that connects people, landscape, and culture. A Registered Architect and Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Architects (FNZIA), Richard's philosophy, "What you draw is what you mean," has guided his career from studying at the University of Auckland to working on major heritage projects in London.
Since founding RTA Studio in 1999, he has focused on creating sustainable, innovative designs rooted in 'New Zealand-ness' and has earned over 100 local, national, and international awards. Outside architecture, Richard explores art, photography, and sculpture, bringing the same adventurous spirit to his creative pursuits as he does to his buildings.
Connect with RTA Studio:
Website: https://rtastudio.co.nz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtastudio/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rtastudio/
Other links: An Architect's Own Family Home of Pavilions and Courtyards is Named New Zealand's Home of the Decade
????️ This episode is brought to you by MGS Global Group. Running a growing architecture firm? You're probably not short on projects. You're short on people. That's where MGS Global Group comes in. We provide qualified architects on demand so you can deliver more without overloading your team or sacrificing quality. Whether you need help with Construction Documents, Design Development, BIM support, or just don't have time to train someone new, our team integrates seamlessly with yours — no long hiring process, no hand-holding. We work across time zones, so your projects keep moving even after you log off. Learn more at https://mgsglobalgroup.com/.
Listen to the Podcast:
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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/architect-my-business/id1575638268
Podcast Website: https://www.architectmybusiness.com/
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Get in Touch:
Ask Aya anything: www.speakpipe.com/AskAya
Be a Guest: https://bit.ly/AMBPodcastGuest
Architect My Business (AMB) is the go-to podcast for architects and designers in the AEC industry who want to build, grow, and scale a thriving practice. Hosted by Aya Shlachter, each episode breaks down complex business concepts into simple, actionable strategies focused on leadership, people, marketing, operations, and profit. Whether you're just getting started or ready to elevate your firm, this podcast helps you design a business as strong and inspiring as the spaces you create.
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